NextEra Energy, Projects 40 to 70 Wind Turbins in Marshall County

05/17/11 A representative from NextEra Energy Resources, a Fortune 200 company based out of Juno Beach, FL, told the Marshall County Commissioners that they are in the early stages of developing a project in Marshall and Fulton Counties.

Paul Dockery said the project they are working on would be 40 to 70 wind turbines with two-thirds being in Union and Green Townships in Marshall County. He said their investment would be $180 million and that in the first 30 years they project paying $20 million in property taxes and another $20 million in land leases. The company owns and operates the projects and estimate hiring 8 full time technicians or operation managers for this particular project.

Dockery said, “A recent survey showed over 77% of the county supports the development although additional education is needed.”

Nine months ago NextEra Energy installed meteorological towers in preparation for the wind farm and has been in contact with several land owners.

The public will have an opportunity to find out more about the project by during an open house on June 8th that will be held in the Argos High School gym. The open house will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wind projects receive more ‘cash grants’ than any other ‘green’ energy project offsetting an average 30% of a projects costs. That’s 30% from tax dollars ‘re-distributed’ by our government. Just because it’s not specifically pointed out in the article does not make it any less true. These things are not profitable on their own. As soon as the government stops the loan guarantees and cash grants these boondogle projects will go away.

George Washington on June 8, 2011 at 11:41 am

Where in the article does it say the project is funded by tax payers? The article states, “Paul Dockery said the project they are working on would be 40 to 70 wind turbines with two-thirds being in Union and Green Townships in Marshall County. He said their investment would be $180 million and that in the first 30 years they project paying $20 million in property taxes and another $20 million in land leases. The company owns and operates the projects and estimate hiring 8 full time technicians or operation managers for this particular project.” Looks like a win-win for the community, providing jobs, tax revenue, land leases, and clean energy.

Thor on May 17, 2011 at 8:49 am

IF this project was funded by the company alone and not with taxpayer dollars it MIGHT be viable. But it would only make sense if the blades did not create the same radar signature as the J-Hook of a birthing tornado on NEXRAD Radar.

As it is, these pinwheels will make predicting tornados in the area problematic. To cut down on false alarms they will need to filter out the very signals that will provide warning of impending twisters.

Also, I assume if you are on this site you might listen to AM radio. These wind farms mount generators hundereds of feet in the air where they radiate Electromagnetic Radiaion unshielded into the surrounding environment. Good luck with that signal.

Taxpayer funded wind projects in IN make as much sense as solar projects in AK…in the winter. These projects may generate local revenue, paid for by your neighbors, parents, children, and friends, but they make no sense whatsoever in an area where our energy generating potential lays in biomass. The Cook plant in MI has been operating at a profit for decades, enough so that they want to build another, that’s a better clean energy idea.

The am1050.com website and ALL its content is the property of WTCA, Community Service Broadcasting, Plymouth, Indiana. Any Use or copy of this website's content is a copyright infringement without the consent of WTCA Management.